Seasonal Swings: Investigating How Seasons and Weather Affect Mental Health and Mood

 

When we think about environmental factors affecting mental health, we often think about the social environment or their home-life situation. However, recent evidence shows that weather and seasonal conditions can also impact an individual's mental health.

A recent study called “Temperature and mental health: Evidence from the spectrum of mental health outcomes" showed that  hotter weather raised more unfavourable mental health outcomes as compared to colder weather. For instance, higher temperatures were linked to both an increase in suicides and emergency room visits for mental illness. It was also found that when exposed to extreme heat, people are more prone to act irritably, angrily, or even violently.  Cities located in warmer areas typically see more violent crime than those in cooler areas. In a study conducted by the Association of Psychological Science to examine the relationship between Chicago's daily shootings and the weather from 2012 to 2016, it was found that on warm days, especially on weekends and holidays when people were out and about, shootings were more likely to happen. Furthermore, a 33.8% greater rate of shootings was seen  when temperatures increased by 10 degrees over usual.

However higher temperatures are not the only reason behind poor mental health. Previously called a major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression typically starts as the autumn season arrives and the amount of light decreases. SAD becomes worse in the winter and recurs at the same time every year. It's important to note that SAD is brought on by less sunlight and shorter days. Although it happens throughout the autumn and winter, the cold weather is not the cause.  According to The Cleveland Clinic, SAD develops early, typically in young adulthood, and roughly 75% of people who have it are women. It disrupts your sleep and makes you feel downhearted. The milder form is referred to as "the winter blues."

SAD is a real condition that causes people to feel trapped indoors or depressed since their activities must now be restricted. Although the precise cause is unknown, a number of biological factors, including disruptions in our circadian rhythm, excessive melatonin production, a deficiency in serotonin , and a lack of vitamin D, are thought to play a role.

The Singapore Association of Mental Health recommends getting 7-8 hours of sleep daily to combat mental health issues. On top of that it is advised to take vitamin-D supplements alongside light therapy and antidepressants. Although we have little control over the weather, we may educate ourselves on how it might impact our lives and learn coping mechanisms for dealing with its detrimental impacts on our mental health.